reecaspieces

Overview

“A pure delight from start to finish! Williams, White and Willig are in top form in this clever, engrossing whodunnit with a heart.” –Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The New Couple in 5B

Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote in this witty locked room mystery and literary satire by New York Times bestselling team of novelists: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White.

There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. 

The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. 

Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death? 

A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance—this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it! 

Review

There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. The three suspects are…Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction.

Now this is not your usual “3 W’s” book. This is pretty humorous in places. I especially liked the police interviews in the first half of the book. Several of these made me laugh out loud.

Then, there are the characters. Now, I was not a big fan of any of them until towards the end, and by then, I loved them all. Their friendship and their banter will have you grinning!

Add all this together with the wonderful setting of Scotland and you have a pretty enjoyable read.

Need a quick, fun read about murder…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

The acclaimed author of the “tour de force” (The New York Times Book Review) Before You Knew My Name returns with a fresh suspense novel about a woman haunted by a serial killer and the ghosts he left behind. 

Ruth-Ann Baker is a college dropout, a bartender—and an amateur detective who just can’t stay away from true crime. Nineteen years ago, her childhood friend was murdered by suspected serial killer Ethan Oswald. Still tormented by the case, Ruth can’t help but think of the long-dead Oswald when another young girl goes missing from the same town. And when she uncovers startling new evidence that suggests Oswald did not act alone, she is determined to find his deadly partner in crime.

Embarking on a global investigation, Ruth becomes close to three very different women—one of whom might just hold the key to what happened to the missing girl. And her childhood friend, all those years ago.

From an author who “pushes the boundaries of crime fiction in all the right ways” (Alex Finlay, author of The Night Shift), Leave the Girls Behind is another spine-chilling thriller that will linger long after you finish the last page.

Review

Ruth has just discovered that another child from her hometown has disappeared. Ruth’s childhood friend went missing when they were very young. And this has made a huge imprint on her life. She has never let this case go. So, when this young girl comes up missing, Ruth starts to investigate and she discovers that the man accused of harming her friend may have had an accomplice.

Boy! Ruth is a bit damaged. And this endears me to her. But you see the train wreck coming…or at least you think you do!

I love when a story has me all over the globe and Ruth does not give up. She ends up in Australia and then Oslo. She is bound and determined to find out what she needs to know.

Well! This tale has a few twists and turns. It is a bit of a slow burn but that just enhances the drama!

Need a story which will have you wondering who did what…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does.

But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from?

Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be.

Review

Grace is a character that I was a bit ambiguous about. I didn’t really feel sorry for her but I understood her needs. I am sure this is a design by the author. I did feel her sisters were cold and distant, like her mom, Lila.

Lila is a strong woman. Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. But she had a terrible childhood. She was told her mother died in an asylum and she was abused by her terrible father. So, I believe she could not mother her children the way most mothers do. But her husband was able to step in a take up the slack. Needless to say, Grace wanted more.

There is quite a bit that I enjoyed about this tale. I enjoyed the hunt for Lila’s mother. And no, it is not what you think. I also enjoyed Lila. No, she is not the mother she should have been. But, I truly believe her past is the reason why.

Need an intricate family tale which will have you passionate for all involved…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Sometimes the answers we are looking for are hidden in our own stories.

The night before the dance performance that could determine Gracie Wilder’s career, her father unexpectedly dies, leaving behind a curious gift with ties to a myth told to her as a child. Desperate to understand her father’s unspoken words, she puts her greatest dream on the line for an opportunity to remember the childhood she tried so hard to forget.

A few chance encounters with Beau Griffin, a bighearted building contractor, pull Gracie closer to her past. Griffin is no stranger to grief. Most recently, he has been held responsible for the demise of a Chicago building that harbors the cornerstones of his own history. In a moment of faith or folly, the unlikely pair follow the origin of Gracie’s childhood memories to Old Montreal. There, they discover family secrets that will challenge the narratives that have defined Gracie’s life. And Griffin will have to confront his own personal myths if he is to build room for Gracie in his future. Together, they must heal their history backward in order to move forward.

Poignant and uplifting, Threads of Us explores the self-discovery that comes to us not despite our hardships but because of them and the mysterious connections that help us recreate ourselves.

Review

Gracie is a dancer. She has a huge performance coming soon. Her dad passes away the night before this big performance and he leaves her a gift. She is having a hard time understanding what this gift means. She is trying to remember her childhood so she can fit the pieces together.

I enjoyed the mystery that slowly unfolded. This kept the story moving for me…along with all the emotions.

Not only are emotions and grief a big part of this tale, but the characters are so diverse. Their interactions will keep you locked in!

Need a story of love, loss and overcoming…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Every Moment Since is everything you want in a novel–a gripping story, nostalgia for lost childhood, exorbitant love, a deep sense of place, and page-turning tension.” –Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

A small Southern town. An ordinary Saturday night. A little boy disappears without a trace.

Everyone in Wynotte, North Carolina, knows the name Davy Malcor. Knows the video clip of him juggling four balls, “All at the very same time!” Knows the Marty McFly jacket his mother made for his birthday that he wore proudly, and often. But no one knows what happened to him the night he went missing more than twenty years ago.

When the jacket is unexpectedly uncovered, the cold case reopens, and Davy’s family is thrust into yet another media storm. But at the heart of the story are four people forever changed by one single night: Thaddeus Malcor, Davy’s older brother, created the life of his dreams by writing a bestselling memoir about his family’s experience and is enjoying success and notoriety as a result, even if the memoir doesn’t quite reveal the whole story. Tabitha Malcor, his mother, is divorced and living alone, advocating for victims’ rights and faithfully cataloging her regrets each week, never including her biggest regret of all. Anissa Weaver was just a kid herself when Davy went missing, and her connection to him is one she cannot reveal as she serves as the Malcor family’s Public Information Officer. And, long suspected in Davy’s disappearance, Gordon Swift has kept his head down and scraped together a decent life. But the new attention to the case makes it impossible to hide from the public, and the past.

With hauntingly vivid prose, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen peels back the curtain on the inner turmoil of those who were left behind in the small Southern community as they pick up the pieces that remain and press forward into the light to find hope and healing.

Review

Davy has been missing for over twenty years. The night he went missing changed the town of Wynotte, North Carolina, forever. Davy’s family has never fully recovered. But now, twenty years later, his jacket has been found.

Well, y’all! This story takes you on a ride! The only reason for the 4 star rating is the story slowed down a bit for me in the middle.

Thaddeus, Davy’s older brother, has so much guilt from the night he went missing and he blames himself…always has and always will. Makes no difference that he was just a child himself.

Then there is Gordon Swift. His life was ruined the night Davy went missing. He was accused of the crime. Is he innocent? He sued the police department over it! But is he innocent? You will have to read this to find out.

This story creates emotions you did not know you had! One minute I wanted to cry for the loss and the next minute I wanted to beat someone up!

Need a hauntingly, beautiful written tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Full of sweetness and charm.” —People

“The happiest I have felt in years inside the world of a book.” —Natalie Jenner, #1 nationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society

“A sparkling ode to second chances.” —Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures

On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.

As a teenager growing up in 1920’s Brooklyn, Augusta’s role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta’s mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can’t help but be drawn to Esther’s curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon’s customers her own advice—unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.

As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther’s enchantments forever.

Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it’s too late?

Review

Augusta has just moved to an active senior community in southern Florida. It doesn’t take her long to run into her old boyfriend, Irving Rivkin. He was a delivery boy for her dad’s pharmacy in Brooklyn. He broke her heart 60 years ago and she is not letting him get close now!

Augusta is definitely a character you will not forget. She is tough as nails. Almost too tough. She just might let her stubbornness get in the way.

This story captivated me from the very start. I enjoyed the dual timelines. And the old world charm from Augusta’s aunt just added a bit of flavor! Oh! And the old pharmacy was a joy for me to read about. Add all this together with gangsters, great characters and you have a pretty dang good read!

I have read another book by this author, The Matchmaker’s Gift. I also gave it five stars. So, I think this author has become a favorite!

Need a heartwarming tale with a kick…THIS IS It! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Overview

A woman drops everything to spend more time with her grandchild, only to discover new truths about herself. A humorous, heartfelt, feel-good novel from the author of Crazy to Leave You.

For Jodi Wexler, a Florida doctor with a flourishing practice, only one thing’s missing: the chance to spend more time getting to know her eight-year-old granddaughter, Macallan.

When Jodi’s restauranteur daughter asks her to watch Macallan in the Berkshires while she takes care of some business out of town, Jodi can’t say yes fast enough. Neither Jodi’s podiatric patients nor her just-fired, suddenly retired husband can keep her away. But when Jodi arrives, she discovers she’s not the only grandma at Lisa’s house. Lisa’s mother-in-law, Di—a hard-nosed real estate agent—has moved into the house. What’s more, there’s Grannie Annie, the twenty-seven-year-old girlfriend of Lisa’s oddball father-in-law. They’re not the only surprises. Lisa’s marriage is faltering even as her new restaurant is taking off.

As the competition for Macallan’s attention among the three “grandmas” increases, Lisa drops a bomb about her life that changes everything. Under pressure, and determined to help her daughter, Jodi must choose her next step. Her decision surprises everyone—Jodi, most of all.

Review

Three grandmothers…yes, Callie has three. She has her mother’s mother, Jodi, her father’s mother, Di. Then there is her Nanny, Granny Annie. These three ladies are determined to love this child the best.

I swear, Jodi is a bit like me. She just can’t help but get drawn into a situation. And Di can really push her buttons. We all have that one person! But, when it all boils down to it. She just wants to do what is best for her grand child…even if that means being cordial to Di.

I loved the dynamics of this story. The three grandmothers are a trip. Each are different and each have a different relationship with Callie. But, I swear, I loved everyone, including Di. There interactions are conflicting, inconsistent, and yes, even heartwarming.

Need a tale with three grandmothers and many conflicts…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel for a honest review.

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